When asked if he could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo after winning the European Golden Shoe, Mbappé said: Ronaldo is the benchmark at Real Madrid, but I am forging my own path.

Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer. Despite the team failing to win any trophies last season, his individual performance was remarkable, netting 31 goals in 34 La Liga games and winning his first European Golden Shoe award. He was questioned by Marca about his potential to outshine Cristiano Ronaldo.

Listen to Mbappé’s response, truly a statement of maturity. Mbappé said: I don’t know how to answer that question. But every fan knows Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid legend, the team’s benchmark, even the greatest. I’ve only been at Real Madrid for a year and a half, while he spent nine years at the Bernabéu. I cannot compare myself to the achievements and honors he earned. I hope to carve out my own path, different from any other player, creating something new. Being compared to Ronaldo is already the greatest honor for me. I just want to follow my own way and help Real Madrid win every possible trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid great, and Mbappé has his own greatness: reaching two consecutive World Cup finals, winning one and finishing runner-up in the other, scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final—achievements Ronaldo never reached. Every great player has their own legacy; Ronaldo is a Real Madrid legend, and Mbappé is the fastest striker of the current era.